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Maryellen Bowers of Cakes & Candies by Maryellen accepted the business of the year award from Lori Zytkowicz of Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen wins chamber business award

Maryellen Bowers of Cakes & Candies by Maryellen accepted the business of the year award from Lori Zytkowicz of Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast at the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.

THORNBURY >> Cakes & Candies by Maryellen and owner Maryellen Bowers was named the West Chester Regional Chamber of Commerce business of the year Wednesday.

Acknowledgement came at a chamber luncheon at the Penn Oaks Golf Club where the baker was acknowledged for her efforts on behalf of the community and chamber.

Lori Zytkowicz of Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast presented the award saying that Bowers has put her heart and soul not only into her own business but the community as well. “I’m fairly certain Maryellen never sleeps,” she said.

Her example has been an inspiration.

“I might not have made it in my own business if not for her,” said Zytkowicz, citing Bowers energy and enthusiasm.

“Maryellen automatically makes you feel comfortable, and bends over backwards for you even when she doesn’t have the time,” said Zytkowicz. “That is the only reason I agreed to be a dancing elf for her in last year’s Christmas Parade.”

The chamber noted her work catering and helping out in community events.

Her business for the past five years is located on West Chester Pike in East Goshen. She and her staff make “culinary confections.”

Bowers joked that her fellow chamber members at the event may not recognize her. “A lot of people know me covered in flour, and sugar, and my hair tied up in a bun, and I’m running in about five different directions at one time,” she said.

She said she was honored and appreciative of the recognition, and thanked chamber members for their help in achieving community support for her business.

She down-played her own contributions assisting in community events. “It is what makes the community grow,” she said. “If you don’t have a community, you don’t have a thriving business.”

Her husband, Michael, family and staff were at a table, and she acknowledged their support as well to build her “little bakery.”

“My staff and family pushed me for all my endeavors,” she said.

In the future, she said she hoped to expand into an actual production facility to expand in the future.

“I want to give back to the community as the community gives to me every day,” said Bowers.